Abstract
Caregiver education is a vital component of inpatient rehabilitation for brain injury, yet the most effective ways of delivering education are not well established. A secondary analysis of 139 adult patients was conducted to determine if duration and types of education were correlated with functional outcomes and postdischarge health services. Most caregivers (94.2%) received training during the admission. Education involving hands-on training with patient care was associated with reduced levels of postdischarge health services (discharge to subacute nursing facility, or home with health care organization), (odds ratio [OR]: 0.20, [95% CI: 0.07 to 0.55], p = .002). In addition, patients with caregivers who were approved to provide hands-on assistance outside of therapy had a reduced need for postdischarge services (OR: 0.46, [0.21 to 0.97], p = .04), and higher functional independence levels at discharge (OR: 2.19, [1.14 to 4.19], p = .019). Strategies that actively engage caregivers should be prioritized.
Plain Language Summary
Caregiver education is important to the recovery of patients with brain injury. A program was introduced at an inpatient rehabilitation facility to provide early training to caregivers of patients with brain injury. Researchers studied 139 patients to understand how the duration and type caregiver education related to patient outcomes. The results showed that 94.2% of caregivers received training during the inpatient stay. Caregivers who participated in practical training of patient care were less likely to need extra health services after discharge. The study demonstrates the importance of involving caregivers in a hands-on way to improve patient recovery.
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